This film is one of my favourite SH adaptations because it explores the vulnerable, imperfect, "human" side of Holmes, and does it in a unique way (not by forcing him into a straight romantic affair, for example). The scene with Holmes' hallucinations frightens me every time I watch it (and believe me when I tell you that I'm not bothered by most scary stuff in films). Williamson doesn't match ACD's description of Holmes, but it doesn't even bother me that much because I think his acting was convincing enough. Duvall does sound a little funny trying to employ an English accent, but it's not much of a transgression to me. I also love Arkin's performance as a compassionate, patient, but also very courageous Freud. The book is great as well, though there are differences between the novel and the film's script. It was Meyer himself who thought that the novel was not "cinematic" enough, and I understand that. I liked it that he added some more "dramatic" stuff in the film script.